Of the Preliminary Discourse. Synopsis of the dynasties, religions, sects, and philosophic opi- nions treated of in the Dabistán. Section I.-The first religion-the dynasties of Mahabad, Abad Azar, Shai Abad, Shai Giliv, Shai Mah- II.—The Peshdadian, Kayanian, Ashkanian, and Sassanian dynasties - their religious and III. The religion of Zardusht, or Zoroaster.. IV. The religion of the Hindus..... SI. HOW THE DABISTAN FIRST BECAME KNOWN-ITS 1 AUTHOR THE SOURCES OF HIS INFORMATION. It is generally known that sir William Jones was the first who drew the attention of Orientalists to the Dabistán. This happened five years after the beginning of a new era in Oriental literature, the foundation of the Asiatic Society of Calcutta by that illustrious man. It may not appear inopportune here to revive the grateful remembrance of one who acquired the uncontested merit of not only exciting in Asia and Europe a new ardor for Oriental studies, but also of directing them to their great objects MAN and NATURE; and of endeavoring, by word and deed, to render the attainment of languages conducive to the required knowledge equally easy and attractive. had been induced by his earliest investigations to believe, and by his latest to conclude, that three primitive races of men must have migrated originally from a central country, and that this country was Iran, commonly called Persia. Examining with particular care the traces of the most ancient languages and religions which had prevailed in this country, he rejoiced at "a fortunate discovery, for 66 66 66 which," he said, "he was first indebted to Mir "Muhammed Hussain, one of the most intelligent Muselmans in India, and which has at once dissipated the cloud, and cast a gleam of light on the primeval history of Iran and of the human race, of which he had long despaired, and which could hardly have dawned from any other quarter;" this was, he declared, the rare and interesting "tract on twelve different religions, entitled the "DABISTAN."' 66 66 Sir William Jones read the Dabistán for the first time in 1787. I cannot refrain from subjoining here the opinion upon this work, which he communicated in a private letter, dated June, 1787, to J. Shore, esq. (afterwards lord Teignmouth); he says: "The greatest part of it would be very interesting to a curious reader, but some of it cannot be translated. It contains more recondite learning, more enter 66 The works of sir William Jones, with the life of the author, by lord Teignmouth, in 13 vols. Vol. III. p. 110. 1807. |